Article Vlkovce sand pits

Intensive gravel and sand mining took place here mainly in the 1950s to 1980s. The sand from this location was highly valued for its quality and purity. After the deposits were extracted, the depressions were naturally filled with groundwater from the nearby Lužnice River. Gradually, the mining was moved and some sections were reclaimed, creating a total of five large water bodies with an area of over 100 hectares.

Today, Vlkov Sand Pits are a popular destination for tourists from all over South Bohemia and Austria. They are known for their clear water (thanks to the sandy bed that acts as a filter) and large sandy beaches. Vlkov is historically known as one of the oldest and most popular locations for naturists in the Czech Republic. Reserved areas for nudists are tolerated here and have their own long-standing community.

The surroundings are crisscrossed with flat cycling routes ideal for families with children. The sandpits are also a renowned fishing ground. Although the sandpits are used for recreation, they are located in a protected area. This helps to keep the surroundings clean and limits noisy traffic in the area.

Thanks to the depth (in places up to around 12 meters) and the sandy bed that acts as a filter, the water here remains clean even in the hot late summer, when most South Bohemian ponds suffer from cyanobacteria.

On the southern edge of the sand dunes there is a unique natural monument – a sand dune. It is one of the few preserved moving sand dunes in the Czech Republic. You will find specific fauna and flora here (e.g. sand-loving plants or solitary bees), which resemble a semi-desert rather than a South Bohemian landscape. It is a site of European importance.

The Písečný presyp nature reserve has been protected since 1954 and has an area of 0.84 ha. At the beginning of the 20th century, the dune was naturally bare. Now, areas of clean sand are maintained by artificially removing vegetation. In the open areas of the dune, there is light yellow fine sand, on which briars form in stronger winds.

The sand pits are separated from the Lužnice riverbed by only narrow strips of forest and meadows. During major floods (such as in 2002), the river and the sand pits merged into one huge body of water, which dramatically changed the relief of the banks at that time.